Kolkata, known as the ‘City of Joy’, is known for its rich history, culture, and heritage. The documented history of the city begins with the arrival of Job Charnock on behalf of the British East India Company in 1690. However, anthropologists believe that the region was inhabited for at least a thousand years, which adds to the versatility of the place. That’s not all. Over the years, we have seen the migration of different communities to the city, which has had a huge impact on its overall characteristics. All of these add to the mysticism of Kolkata, making it a great destination for exploration. In this article, we have prepared a customized guide for you to make the most of the city in just 24 hours. So, without any delay, let’s get started.
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24 Hours in Kolkata: Best Food & Destination Guide to Explore the City:
Stop 1. Chinese breakfast at Tiretti Bazaar at 5am (about 2 hours):
Did you know that Kolkata gave birth to the cuisine we love today as Desi-Chinese (or Indo-Chinese)? Having settled in Kolkata as early as the 1780s, the Chinese-Indian population has historically played a major role in defining the city’s food culture. And proof of this is in the Chinese-Indian breakfast they serve, especially at the morning market at Tiretti Bazaar. The market entrance has more of fresh vegetables and fish, but the moment you enter the street, the magic begins. You will find people sitting on the side of the streets, selling fresh homemade sausages, momos, fish ball soup, noodle soup, wontons, pork rolls and more.
The market opens at 5-5.30 am and closes at 8.30 pm. However, the timings may vary on Sundays. Hence, we suggest you reach here by 6 am to start your day in a great way.
Address: 23/1, Chatawala Lane, Near Poddar Court, Tireti
How to reach Tiretti Bazaar Breakfast Spot: The nearest metro station is the Central Metro Station. You have to exit at Poddar Court and then, it is a five-minute walk from there. But we suggest taking a bus or cab early in the morning to reach your destination easily.
Stop 2. Tour College Street (about 3-4 hours):
Once you’ve had an authentic Chinese breakfast, it’s time to explore the city. Head to the nearest bus stop and take a bus to the famous College Street to enjoy the old charm of Kolkata.
Option 1. Start with a coffee break at the Indian Coffee House:
After a wholesome breakfast, it’s time for your morning coffee and what better way than to enjoy it with a piece of history. Located in the bustling lanes of College Street, the thriving ‘Coffee House’ was established in the city in 1876. And since then, the place has been welcoming thousands of students, intellectuals, office goers and people from different walks of life to enjoy their coffee, good discussions and high ceilings that tell the story of the prosperous and thriving Kolkata (then Calcutta). We suggest the classic ‘Infusion’ or ‘Cold Coffee’.
Address: 15, Bankim Chatterjee Street, College Square West
Option 2. Walk the streets:
After a coffee break, start strolling the lanes of College Street – the book hub of Kolkata. From the latest edition of your favourite author to curated copies of long-lost books, you can find it all on College Street. In fact, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that this place is the ultimate destination for every book lover around the world. However, most of these book stalls are closed on Sundays.
The old-school architecture and buildings on both sides of the streets add to its beauty – making it a perfect place to enjoy nature and landscape photography. And yes, don’t forget to visit some of the oldest educational institutions in India – Presidency College, Hindu School, Sanskrit College – which are located on College Street itself.
Option 3. Refreshments at Paramount:
By now, you must be exhausted for sure. So, we suggest you take a break and enjoy some refreshing Sharbat at Paramount. Established in 1918, this place has been selling just Sharbat for over a century – Daab Sharbat is the most popular drink on their menu. According to several reports, the owners of Paramount have said that the recipe for the drink was given to the founder by eminent Indian chemist and educator Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy. He encouraged Paramount’s founder – Nihar Ranjan Majumdar – to sell this concoction at a pocket-friendly price. Since then, it has become a popular choice for people across Kolkata. Apart from the refreshing drinks, what will definitely attract you is the old-fashioned setup and a board with the names of famous personalities who have been patrons of Paramount. Hint: You will find the names of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and filmmaker Satyajit Ray on the board.
Address: 1,1, Bankim Chatterjee Street, BC Street, College Square
How to reach College Street: The nearest metro station is the Central Metro Station. Exit at College Street and then take a bus that will drop you at the destination in less than five minutes. And then, explore on foot. You can also walk from Tiretti Bazaar to College Street – the distance between the two is about 800 metres.
Stop 3. Afternoon delight (about 1-2 hours):
It’s time for a hearty Bengali meal – after all, you are in Kolkata! We suggest skipping the fancy restaurants and enjoying the authenticity of the city at famous hotels and smaller-sized eateries.
Option 1. Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel:
We understand that you must be very hungry after roaming around College Street. So, we have compiled the nearest food destination for you. Located near Presidency College, this place was founded in 1927 by Man Govindo Ponda. Apart from dal, fish and meat, this place serves more than 25 types of vegetarian dishes that vegetarians love. The food here is served on a simple stainless steel plate covered with a banana leaf. The food here is simple and homely, but the food you get here can easily beat the best restaurants.
Address: 8/2, Bhavani Dutta Lane, Below Raja Guest House, University of Calcutta, College Square
Option 2. Mahal Pais Hotel:
Another such option is the Mahal Paise Hotel located on College Street. Established in 1917, this place has some of the best kept secrets of Bengali cuisine, food habits and more. Upon entering, you will find a handwritten menu on the black board, which changes almost every day. From rice, dal, aloo bhaja, macher jhol to seasonal sukto and delicious bhetki paturi – this place serves food that is not too spicy, making it an ideal place for regular customers.
Address: 6/3, Ramanath Majumdar Street, Amherst Street
4th stop: Go shopping (about 2-3 hours):
No trip is complete without local shopping. Don’t you agree? So, we suggest you head back to the Central Metro Station and take the metro to Esplanade – the shopping hub of Kolkata. From roadside shops to wholesale markets and fancy shops, you will find everything here. Take a stroll around Esplanade to see junk jewellery being sold along the streets. Then enter Hogg Market (also known as New Market) to experience Kolkata’s old-school shopping market. Believed to be Kolkata’s first municipal market, established in 1874 to serve British residents, this more than a century-old place has transformed into a hub of diverse cultures, making it a favourite shopping destination for not just locals, but foreign tourists as well.
Address: SB22, Humayun Place, New Market Area, Dharmatala
How to reach Hog Market: The nearest metro station is Esplanade Metro Station. Get down, take the New Market exit and walk for two to three minutes.
Stop 5. Street Food Trail (about 1 hour):
How can you forget street food in Kolkata. The Esplanade is home to some of the oldest food joints in the city, offering the essence of the various cultures and communities that have played a major role in shaping the character of the city.
Option 1. Nizam’s Rolls:
Established in 1932, Nizam’s has been famous for its Kathi rolls in Kolkata for centuries. You can sit there and enjoy the Kathi rolls or the famous Kabab-Paratha or visit the street shops at Esplanade and pack the rolls.
Address: 23 & 24, Hogg Street, Near Axis Bank ATM, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala
Option 2. Phuchka from anonymous street stalls:
You will find many phuchka stalls on the streets of Esplanade. Stop at any of these stalls and enjoy some of Kolkata’s tangy and spicy phuchkas. We suggest adding some extra spices (not chillies) to the potato stuffing to enhance the taste.
Option 3. Fries at Anandi Cabin:
The cabin culture in Kolkata is basically the older version of today’s cafes. One such place that deserves a special mention is the almost century-old Anadi Cabin, which is popular for its Mughlai parathas. According to food historians, the place was founded by a man named Balaram Jan, who collaborated with an Englishman to build this place in memory of his late son ‘Anadi’. Apart from Mughlai parathas, you will find fish fry, fish cutlets, chicken kosha, parathas and more. But remember, Anadi Cabin only accepts cash.
Address: H972+8JF, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Dharmatala
Stop 6. Enjoy the sunset at Prinsep Ghat (about 3 hours):
By now, you must be feeling tired for sure. But that doesn’t mean you should end the day. We have brought you a great option to relax. Take a bus from the Esplanade and get down at Prinsep Ghat and enjoy some peace and quiet, as well as a beautiful sunset. Built in memory of British Indologist James Prinsep, this place serves as a venue to showcase the cultural heritage of the city. According to an article by Incredible India, Prinsep Ghat located on the banks of the Hooghly River is a majestic structure famous for its Gothic inlays. Here, you can stroll along the well-decorated banks, or sit back and relax and enjoy the breeze. But we suggest taking a boat ride on the river and enjoy the mesmerizing sunset along with the illumination of the famous Howrah Bridge.
Address: Strand Road, Maidan, Fort William, Hastings
How to reach Prinsep Ghat: You can take a taxi from Esplanade to Prinsep Ghat which will pass through the famous Eden Gardens stadium. It will hardly take you four minutes to reach the destination. You can also take a minibus from opposite the Grand Oberoi Kolkata which will take you to Prinsep Ghat in five minutes.
Stop 7. Dinner and drinks (about 2.5-3 hours):
Now that you are fully relaxed and ready for a delicious dinner, we suggest you visit the heart of the city – Park Street. Popularly known as the ‘street that never sleeps’, you will find a variety of cafes, restaurants, street food joints and pubs in this area all year round. The most interesting thing is that new restaurants are opening up on Park Street from time to time, but still, there are some classic restaurants that hold the highest position.
Option 1. Mocambo:
The place offers a vintage vibe, with a menu featuring delicious continental foods and a range of classic drinks. We suggest you try the Deviled Crab, Chicken Stroganoff and Baked Alaska. And yes, have some classic cocktails on the side.
Address: Ground Floor, 25B, Mirza Ghalib Street, Taltala
Option 2. Peter Cat:
By now you must be well aware of Peter Cat. One of the ‘World’s 100 Greatest Restaurants’, Peter Cat is known for its iconic Chelo Kebab. Enjoy this delicious dish before the day ends.
Address: Stephen Court Building, 18A, Mother Teresa Sarani, Opposite KFC Restaurant
Option 3. Marco Polo:
One of the oldest restaurants in Kolkata, Marco Polo is perfect for a cozy dinner date. Enjoy the great ambiance and relish delicious jumbo prawns and lamb chops.
Address: Ground Magma Building, 24, Mother Teresa Sarani, Park Street Area
How to reach Park Street: Park Street has a dedicated metro station. And if you are coming from Prinsep Ghat, take a bus and get down at Park Street in less than 20 minutes. You can also call a taxi for convenience.
So the next time you are planning a trip to Kolkata, try this guide to enjoy the city to the maximum in a day.
